Marrakech Airport

Marrakech-Menara Airport (IATA: RAK), Tel: +212 (0)4 444 7865. This international airport is located about 6km (4 mi) and 10-15 minutes away from the city by taxi. Plenty of low cost companies now fly to Marrakech. Some companies fly to Casablanca additionally where a plane change for the 45 minute flight to Marrakech can be made. The best way, if you do not have too much luggage with you, is to take a new bus (line 19) that goes over the main points of the City (Place Djemaa L’Fna, Bus station, Gueliz, hotels…). It costs 20DH one way, 30 DH with return included. You avoid one of the worse moments of a traveller, the hassle of the taxi drivers when you arrive to a new country.If going from airport by petit taxi, make sure to have the driver use his meter or agree on the price beforehand. As you exit the airport terminal, there is a sign which actually gives you an idea of how much the taxi ride should cost. As to whether you can convince or bargain with the driver to use these prices is another matter however. It depends on the number of taxis and potential passengers around. Essentially, you should pay no more than 60 dirham from the airport to the centre of the city during the day and 90 dirham at night for a petite taxi. If you press the drivers, these prices are easily obtainable. However, be aware that you might have to accept a higher price. In this event, dont pay more than 100 dirham in the daytime and 150 at night.If you are traveling from the airport to somewhere further afield (e.g. Essaouria), your hotel or guest house may be able to arrange a grand taxi to pick you up at the airport, and charge a fixed price for the journey. Grand taxis are generally more expensive than petit taxis, but more comfortable especially when you have luggage. It also avoids hassle, as it’s not always easy to haggle with a taxi driver after staggering off a long plane journey half-asleep.As a guide for using taxi services in Morocco, you should approach the taxi, tell the driver where you want to go and how much you will pay. If the driver doesn’t accept, just move onto the next driver.Several international rental car companies are based at the airport as well.

You can fly from several European cities direct to Marrakech on Atlas Blue which is an offshoot of Royal Air Maroc. British Airways flies from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Marrakech. Easyjet [5] began fly to Marrakech from Madrid and begin flying from Gatwick airport in the UK in July 2006.

German airline TUI flies to Marrakech from five cities in Germany.

Ryanair announced in August 2006 that they will begin direct flights from London Luton to Marrakech. Ryanair also flys from Frankfurt Hahn to Marrakech. (sometimes for under £40 return). Thomsonfly travel from Manchester for under £60.

Royal Air Maroc, 197 boulevard Mohamed V, Tel: 43 62 05. Connects to other domestic destinations such as Agadir, Casablanca (daily), Fez (daily), Ouarzazate, Al Hoceima and Tangier.

Plesae be aware that Atlas Blue low cost airline an subsidiary of Royal Air Maroc (RAM) does not exist anymore, their operating chartered and scheduled services to Europe has been rebranded as Royal Air Maroc flights, with the aircraft being re-painted in RAM colors.